NCJ Number
78925
Date Published
1980
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The nature and problems of manhunts and searches for missing objects in the everyday police work of West Germany are outlined.
Abstract
Although police searches for persons and objects have been conducted since ancient times, such searches have been revolutionized by technological innovations, particularly the computer. The purpose of such searches is to locate missing persons or persons in some way connected with an offense and to find objects used for or resulting from a crime. With the rising crime rates, the demand for searches, particularly for objects, has increased considerably. The search process has been complicated by the tendency of high-level criminals to eliminate noticeable characteristics from their appearance and behavior. As a result, police must develop more sophisticated criteria for locating persons sought. However, the need for identification checks and the use of computers inevitably involves a large number of citizens in the search. Officers must therefore be specially trained to avoid abuses of their search powers. Police are often placed in a difficult position because the public's right to know details of criminal investigations may compromise police tactics. In fact, criminals can develop their plans on the basis of newspaper information. Special units for searches at the national and State level have developed their own efficient search techniques. But specialization can lead to a loss of information because of fragmented functions and to reduced effectiveness of other important police activities. Furthermore the observations of the everyday police officer on the beat remain the best source of information for searches, and encouraging personal contacts between officers and citizens is the first step in improving police function. The rate of successful searches has risen from 46.5 percent in 1973 to 67.1 percent in 1978. Notes are supplied.